AJ1982
Registered User
So, early in the season there was a bit of a debate about Parise vs. Perry and how important size would be in the new NHL.
So now that one season has been played, what does everybody think? Will size still be the advantage it once was?
somebody said:Guarantee you it won't be as big a factor. With the refs cutting down on contact in front of the net, AND everywhere else, size will not be as important since a big guy can't just push you around at will anymore without risk of a penalty. Now even little guys can plant themselves in front of the net if they so wish and use their quickness to tap in the loose pucks. Also, Reach is one thing big guys typically have... relatively slow feet are another. Perry's skating may have improved but Parise wins in the skating department hands down. The game is going to be much more of a speed game and that's going to give small speedy guys a bit of an advantage. It used to be we saw questionable players being picked early in the draft since they were 6'4 and 210 lbs, but now I think we'll see a lot less than that. Size will not be a part of the NHL job requirement anymore.
some other guy said:Refs will only be cracking down on obstruction and not contact. The players will adapt (as they have been in the OHL) and size will still matter.
another guy said:You're only fooling yourself with that one.
Size will be as important as ever, just watch.
the original somebody said:All you guys saying size will carry the same weight as before need to watch Brian Gionta stand in front of the opposition's net and watch defensemen struggle to figure out how to move him legally. Guys do not have to pay the same price to be there anymore and even though you can push and shove if the player is taken down it is being called interference. Not saying that size is not an advantage but the era of the Bobby Clarke 6'2+ only hockey clubs is over.
So now that one season has been played, what does everybody think? Will size still be the advantage it once was?